TE Visanthe Shiancoe missed his second consecutive practice because of a foot injury. It’s possible that rookie second-round draft pick Kyle Rudolph, a close friend of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, could get his first start alongside Ponder.

CB Antoine Winfield, who has missed the past three games because of a neck injury, practiced in full pads Thursday and said he is good to go for Sunday’s game at Carolina. That’s a big boost to a team that’s missing Chris Cook, who was suspended because he’s facing a felony domestic assault charge.

DE Jared Allen missed Thursday’s practice because his wife had the couple’s first child, a daughter. Allen is off to the finest start of his career with an NFL-high 11.5 sacks. He’s also had a sack in a team-record nine consecutive games.

RB Adrian Peterson, who missed Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury, was limited in practice on Thursday.

WR Percy Harvin, who missed practice Wednesday because of a rib injury, returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis.

RG Anthony Herrera is on the injury report with a knee injury. He hasn’t been listed as out yet, but he won’t play because of adamaged lateral collateral ligament. Veteran Joe Berger, who started at center last week, will start at right guard this week.

RB/KR Lorenzo Booker has to pass a third-party concussion exam after experiencing concussion-like symptoms on Thursday. He came out of the Packers game and Wednesday’s practice fine, but started to feel dizzy on Thursday. With the other kickoff returner, Percy Harvin, hobbled because of a rib injury, it’s possible the Vikings will have to use punt returner Marcus Sherels at kickoff returner. They also might use rookie receiver Stephen Burton, who will be making his rookie debut after being signed off the practice squad, or backup running back Toby Gerhart.